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Scott Barrett moves back to lock for All Blacks as Papalii handed No 6 jersey
By Ben Smith
Ian Foster and his selectors have kept the All Blacks starting XV largely in tact for the second test as they look to close out the series over Ireland in Dunedin.
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Last week’s blindside flanker Scott Barrett has been named in the second row to partner Brodie Retallick after Sam Whitelock was diagnosed with delayed concussion following the first test.
Barrett’s forced move has opened the door for Dalton Papalii to start at No 6 in a move that will see three openside flankers start in the loose forwards, alongside Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
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Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who was drafted in as cover for Whitelock after returning from Japan, has been named on the bench.
The front row is unchanged with the same combination of George Bower, Codie Taylor and Ofa Tuungafasi.
The starting backline remains unchanged with Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett resuming their combination in the halves while Quinn Tupaea and Rieko Ioane have been given another start in the midfield following their impressive showing in Auckland.
Last week’s debutant Leicester Fainga’anuku will start again on the left wing while Sevu Reece and Jordie Barrett round out the back three.
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On the bench there are two potential debutants in Chiefs prop Aidan Ross and Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava. Will Jordan, who was ruled out of the first test with Covid-19, has been named in the 23 jersey as utility back cover.
Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, and Karl Tu’inukuafe have dropped out of the game day 23.
All Blacks team for second test:
15. Jordie Barrett
14. Sevu Reece
13. Rieko Ioane
12. Quinn Tupaea
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
8. Ardie Savea
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Dalton Papalii
5. Scott Barrett
4. Brodie Retallick
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
2. Codie Taylor
1. George Bower
Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross*
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Pita Gus Sowakula
21. Folau Fakatava*
22. Richie Mo’unga
23. Will Jordan
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Smart to resist too many changes. Will the ABs play smart though? Too many times after a decent win they throw the ball wide before earning the right too. Ireland's crushing defensive line must be broken before the outside backs just 'give it a crack'.
Most important this week will be the officials. Peyper (is officious at the best of times) needs to reward the dominant scrum and the offside defensive lines must be punished with penalties.